Category / Metric	South Burlington	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$97,229	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$474,400	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$300	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,441	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	101.7	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	96.3	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	65.1%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	39

The Ultimate Head-to-Head: San Antonio vs. South Burlington

An Unbiased Relocation Expert's Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side: the sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis of San Antonio, Texas. On the other: the compact, four-season jewel of South Burlington, Vermont. These aren’t just different cities; they’re different planets. One is a booming, historic giant in the American South. The other is a lakeside haven in the Northeast Kingdom.

Choosing between them isn't about which is "better"—it's about which fits your life. As your Relocation Data Journalist, I’ve crunched the numbers, analyzed the vibes, and listened to the locals. Let’s settle this, head-to-head.

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

San Antonio is a city of paradoxes. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S., yet it feels surprisingly laid-back. It’s a deep dive into American history (The Alamo, Missions) fused with a modern, vibrant arts scene. The vibe is family-centric, culturally rich, and unapologetically Texan. Think: world-class River Walk dining, massive Fiesta celebrations, and a military presence that shapes the community. It’s for the person who wants big-city amenities (NBA Spurs, top-tier hospitals, a zoo) without the cutthroat pace of NYC or LA. It’s a melting pot—deep Hispanic roots, a growing tech sector, and a strong military community.

South Burlington is a completely different beast. It’s a small city (population 20,488) that feels like a large town. The vibe is outdoorsy, progressive, and health-conscious. You’re not just living here; you’re living in nature. The Green Mountains and Lake Champlain are your backyard. Life revolves around seasons: hiking and sailing in summer, foliage and apple picking in fall, skiing and snowshoeing in winter. It’s for the active, eco-aware individual who values community over sprawl. It’s the home of Ben & Jerry’s and a major university (UVM), giving it a quirky, intellectual, and youthful energy.

Who is San Antonio for? Families seeking warmth, culture, and affordability. Foodies. History buffs. Military families. Those who hate cold weather.
Who is South Burlington for? Outdoor enthusiasts, young professionals in tech/health, retirees who want an active lifestyle, and anyone who values four distinct seasons and a tight-knit community.

Verdict: The Vibe

Winner for Big-City Amenities & Culture: San Antonio

Winner for Outdoor Access & Small-Town Feel: South Burlington

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the rubber meets the road. The data paints a stark picture.

San Antonio offers significant bang for your buck. While its median income is lower, the cost of living is substantially below the national average. The 0% state income tax in Texas is a massive financial lever, especially for higher earners. Your paycheck stretches further in San Antonio.

South Burlington has a higher median income ($97,229 vs. SA's $62,322), but that premium is immediately eaten up by costs. Vermont has a progressive income tax (up to 8.75%), and the cost of goods, services, and especially housing is high. You earn more, but you pay more to live there.

Let’s break it down with the data:

Expense Category	San Antonio, TX	South Burlington, VT	The Difference
Median Home Price	$264,900	$474,400	+79% (South Burlington is significantly pricier)
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,441	+20% (South Burlington is more expensive to rent)
Housing Index	94.2 (Below Avg)	101.7 (Above Avg)	+8% (Overall housing costs are higher in Burlington)
Utilities	~$160/month (High A/C)	~$220/month (High heating)	Both are costly, but for opposite reasons.
Groceries	~10% below national avg	~5% above national avg	SA wins on daily essentials.

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Test
Let’s run a simple scenario. If you earn a $100,000 salary:

In San Antonio: Your take-home pay (after federal taxes, but no state income tax) is roughly $75,000. Your mortgage on a $265k home with 20% down is around $1,200/month. That’s 16% of your take-home pay. You have a massive amount of disposable income for travel, dining, and savings.
In South Burlington: Your take-home pay (after federal and ~8.75% state tax) is roughly $69,000. Your mortgage on a $475k home with 20% down is around $2,100/month. That’s 36% of your take-home pay. You’re house-poor, with less room for other expenses.

Insight on Taxes: The 0% income tax in Texas is a game-changer. It can mean thousands of dollars in extra cash per year compared to Vermont’s top rate. However, Texas has higher property taxes to compensate. Vermont also has a high sales tax (6%). The overall tax burden often favors Texas for middle- and upper-income earners.

Verdict: Dollar Power

Winner for Overall Affordability & Purchasing Power: San Antonio (by a landslide).

Winner for High Earners Willing to Pay a Premium for Lifestyle: Only if you earn well above the median. For most, South Burlington is a financial stretch.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio is a strong buyer’s market. Inventory is relatively high, and prices, while rising, are still accessible. The median home price of $264,900 is within reach for many professionals. Renting is also a viable, affordable option, with plenty of apartments and single-family homes for rent. The market is competitive but not cutthroat.

South Burlington is a seller’s market with limited inventory. The median home price of $474,400 is a massive barrier to entry, especially with the high interest rates. Renting is also competitive and expensive, with vacancy rates often low. You’ll face more competition for fewer options, driving up prices. For a young professional or family, breaking into the housing market here is a significant challenge.

Verdict: Housing Market

Winner for Buyers: San Antonio (More inventory, lower prices).

Winner for Renters: San Antonio (More affordable and available options).

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is real. As a sprawling city, commuting can involve significant time on highways like I-35 and Loop 1604. Public transit (VIA) exists but isn’t comprehensive. A car is a non-negotiable.
South Burlington: Traffic is almost non-existent. The city is small and walkable. You can bike almost anywhere in town. The commute is measured in minutes, not hours. A car is helpful for mountain trips but not strictly necessary for daily life.

Weather

San Antonio: Hot and humid. Summers regularly hit 90°F+ for months, with high humidity. Winters are mild (rarely freezing). It’s a sun-lover’s paradise but can be brutal for those who hate heat.
South Burlington: Four distinct, dramatic seasons. Summers are gorgeous and mild. Winters are cold and snowy (average low in Jan: 15°F, with heavy lake-effect snow). Fall foliage is spectacular. You must be prepared for real winter.

Crime & Safety

San Antonio: The data shows a violent crime rate of 798.0 per 100k. This is above the national average. While many neighborhoods are very safe, crime is a real concern in certain areas. Researching specific neighborhoods is crucial.
South Burlington: The data shows a violent crime rate of 173.3 per 100k, which is well below the national average. It’s statistically one of the safer cities in the U.S. Crime is not a daily worry for residents.

Verdict: Dealbreakers

Winner for Commute & Walkability: South Burlington

Winner for Weather (if you hate cold): San Antonio

Winner for Safety: South Burlington

The Final Verdict

After weighing the data, the culture, and the costs, here’s the breakdown for different life stages:

🏆 Winner for Families

San Antonio
Why: The combination of affordable housing, a lower cost of living, a 0% income tax (for college savings), and endless family-friendly activities (parks, zoos, historic sites) makes it the clear choice. The larger school districts and proximity to military bases also add to the family ecosystem. South Burlington’s housing costs are simply too prohibitive for the average family.

🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals

San Antonio (with a caveat)
Why: For career growth and financial freedom, San Antonio wins. The lower cost of living allows you to save, travel, and build wealth. The job market in tech, healthcare, and military is robust. However, if your career is in tech, biotech, or sustainability and you prioritize outdoor recreation and a walkable, progressive environment over pure financial savings, South Burlington could be a better cultural fit—just be prepared for the cost.

🏆 Winner for Retirees

South Burlington (Active Retirees) / San Antonio (Budget-Conscious)
Why: This is a split decision. For active retirees who want to ski, hike, and enjoy four seasons in a safe, walkable community with top-tier healthcare (UVM Medical Center), South Burlington is idyllic—if you have the nest egg. For retirees on a fixed income, San Antonio offers a much lower cost of living, warm winters, and no state income tax on social security or retirement withdrawals, stretching your savings much further.

Pros & Cons: The Quick Take

San Antonio, TX

Pros:

Affordable Cost of Living
0% State Income Tax
Rich Cultural & Historical Scene
Warm, Sunny Weather (No Snow)
Vibrant Food Scene
Major City Amenities (Sports, Healthcare)

Cons:

High Summer Heat & Humidity
Traffic & Car Dependency
Higher Crime Rates (Neighborhood-Dependent)
Limited Outdoor Recreation (Compared to VT)

South Burlington, VT